01 April, KATHMANDD: The 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival (NCIFF) concluded on March 31st, 2024, after three days of cinematic excellence, cultural exchange, and creative exploration. Organized by the Nepal Culture and Film Centre, the festival took place from March 29th to 31st, with a grand opening ceremony at the Nepal Tourism Board and various events held at the Film Development Board Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board.
The festival showcased 60 semifinalist films from 37 countries, offering audiences a diverse array of cinematic experiences. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with filmmakers through Q&A sessions and immerse themselves in the art of filmmaking through masterclasses and workshops.
Renowned film director and NCIFF international jury member Mr. Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan conducted a masterclass on “Filmmaking – Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Victories” at the Film Development Board Nepal. Similarly, Ms. Ljubinka Stojanovic from Serbia led a workshop on “Creating the Future of Film Structure and Unlocking Screenwriting Secrets” at the Nepal Tourism Board. Both sessions were well-received and contributed to the festival’s success.
The highlight of the festival was the final grand award ceremony held at the Film Development Board Nepal, where international jury members and delegates from various countries joined to celebrate the outstanding achievements of filmmakers. The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including First Lady actress of Nepal Mrs. Bhuwan Chand, renowned actress Mrs. Mithila Sharma, and honorable parliament member of Nepal Mr. Pradip Poudel.
Mr. Santosh Subedi, the chairman of Nepal Culture and Film Centre and director of the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival, expressed his gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for their contributions to the festival’s success. He thanked the jury members for their discerning judgment and dedication to excellence, which played a pivotal role in recognizing and honoring the filmmakers’ achievements.
The festival concluded with the presentation of awards in various national and international categories. Among the winners were:
International Award Winners Include:
- Best International Feature Film Award: “Mujhay School Nahi Jaana Hay” (India)
- International Short Film Award: “No Freedom No Art” (UK)
- Best International Women Film Award: “Interval” (Iran)
- Best International Children Film Award: “Shot Boot Three” (India)
- Best International Documentary Film Award: “Sheikh Al Tanweer” (Bahrain)
- Best International Environmental Film Award: “The Last Seed” (South Africa)
- Best International Human Rights Film Award: “Where Have All the Smiles Gone” (Nepal)
- Best International Actor Award: Juddho Joyer Kishore (Bangladesh)
- Best International Actress Award: Jane (Canada)
- Best International Cinematography Award: “Lokta Kingdom” (Nepal)
- Best International Writer Award: “The Secrets of an Old Gun 2” (Czech Republic)
- Best International Director Award: “Dear Satyajit” (Bangladesh)
- Best International Jury Award: “Mayfly” (United States)
- Best International Special Mention Award: “Sometimes Even the Shore Drowns” (Pakistan)
- Best International Special Mention Award: “Immaculate” (France)
National Award Winners Include:
- Best National Feature Film Award: “Chiso Manchhe”
- Best National Short Film Award: “Ghurra”
- Best National Women Film Award: “Gurkha Girl”
- Best National Children Film Award: “Elderly’s Home”
- Best National Documentary Film Award: “Corn Marriage”
- Best National Environmental Film Award: “There Is No Tomorrow”
- Best National Cultural Film Award: “Thim”
- Best National Actor Award: Mahapurush (Haribansha Acharya)
- Best National Actress Award: Chiso Manchhe (Swastima Khadaka)
- Best National Cinematography Award: “The Sound of Dreaming” (Chintan Raj Bhandari)
- Best National Writer Award: “Chhakka Panja 4” (Dipak Raj Giri)
- Best National Director Award: “Maha Purush” (Pradip Bhattarai)
- Best National Jury Mention Award: “Chhakka Panja 4” (Deepashree Niroula)
- Best National Special Mention Award: Jarna L
- Best National Special Mention Award: Yubaraj
Mr. Santosh Subedi, the chairman of Nepal Culture and Film Centre and director of the 5th Nepal Cultural International Film Festival, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for their contributions to the festival’s success.
